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WALTON-LE-DALE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.

REPORTS

OF THE

MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTOR

AND

ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR

for the

Year ending 31st December, 1970

WALTON-LE-DALE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL.

REPORTS

OF THE

MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTOR

AND

ENGINEER AND SURVEYOR

for the

Year ending 31st December, 1970

WALTON-LE-DALE URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL

1970

Chairman of the Council
Councillor R. Smith

Chairman of Public Health Committee
Councillor W. Morgan

Vice-Chairman of Public Health Committee
Councillor R. B. Dixon

Members of the Council and Public Health Committee

Councillor Mrs. H. M. Carter, from May 1970

Councillor Mrs. R. Cohen, retired May 1970

Councillor F. A. Cooper

Councillor J. Coupe

Councillor G. Gregson

Councillor H. Kerfoot

Councillor R. Knowles

Councillor J. E. Lamb

Councillor K. W. Palmer

Councillor Mrs. M. P. M. Parker, J.P.

Councillor J. W. Schultz, retired May 1970
Councillor W. Towers, from May 1970
Councillor R. Welham
Councillor G. Woods, J.P.

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF

Medical Officer of Health : J. Walker, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H., L.D.S., D.P.D.

Other Appointments: Divisional Medical Officer of Health, Lancs. C.C. No. 4 Division; and

Medical Officer of Health to the Borough of Chorley, the Urban Districts of
Adlington, Longridge, Withnell, Fulwood, and Leyland; and the Rural
Districts of Preston and Chorley.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health and Senior Assistant Divisional Medical Officer :

N. T. W. Pover, L.R.F.P.S., L.R.C.S., L.M.S.S.A., D.P.H., resigned 30th June
L. M. Mayer-Jones, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., D.P.H., from 19th October, 1970

Chief Health Inspector & Cleansing Superintendent: G. N. Corbishley, M.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I.
Deputy Chief Health Inspector: J. R. Williams, F.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I., D.P.A.

Additional Public Health Inspector: P. W. Stanley, M.A.P.H.I., A.R.S.H.

Meat Inspector: F. Schofield, M.A.M.I.

Warden Brindle Road Old People’s Community Centre: Mrs. M. Salmon.

ClerkfTypist: Mrs. M. Holden.

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT,

COUNCIL OFFICES,

BAMBER BRIDGE

REPORT OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH

For the year ended 31st December, 1970

To the Chairman and Members of the Council

Mr. Chairman and Members,

I have much pleasure in presenting the Annual Report on the health and sanitary circumstances
of the District for the year ended 31st December, 1970.

According to the Registrar General’s estimate the population of the District at mid- June, 1970
was 26,830 which is 670 more than the previous year. This represents a 2% increase as against a
3\% increase last year.

The number of live births assignable to the District was 623 (of which 29 were illegitimate).
This is 49 more than in 1969. The crude birth rate for the year was 23.2 (adjusted 20.9) per 1000
estimated population. This may be compared with the country as a whole — 16.0 — and with
Lancashire’s 16.9 (adjusted 17.2).

The number of deaths assigned to the District for the year was 251, which, coincidentally, is
the same as in 1969. However the crude death rate was slightly lower at 9.40 (adjusted 11.6) per
1000 estimated population. The corresponding rates for England and Wales and Lancashire were
11.7 and 12.5 (adjusted 13.6). The Registrar General has again provided a table giving the causes of
death in each age group and this is reproduced in the report. From this it will be seen that 95 of
the deaths occurred in people over 75 and that a further 68 occurred in people aged 65-74. These
groups together account for 163 or 65% of the total deaths.

With regard to causes of death, malignant disease accounted for 42 deaths as compared with
41 in 1969. Cancer of the lung was responsible for 14 of these deaths as against 10 in 1969. Deaths
from all forms of heart disease at 92 are five more than for the previous year and those for ischae¬
mic heart disease (Coronary thrombosis) at 75 are seven more than the previous year. Cerebro
vascular disease (strokes) accounted for 43 as compared with 38 in 1969. Heart disease, cancer and
cerebro vascular disease accounted for 70% of all deaths. Pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema
caused the deaths of 25 persons (26 in 1969). There were 12 fatal accidents in 1970 compared with
14 in 1969. There was only one death from suicide and other self-inflicted injuries. However it
should be remembered that virtually all the deaths from Lung Cancer (90% or 13) and a substantial
number of those from Bronchitis and Emphysema (75% or 7), and ischaemic heart disease (25% or
19) are directly or indirectly caused by cigarette smoking and so could be classed as self inflicted.
This gives a total of 49 avoidable deaths. Once again there were no deaths from Tuberculosis and
for the fifth consecutive year there were no deaths attributable to childbirth or abortion.

The number of infants under one year of age who died during 1970 was eight compared with
12 in 1969. This gives an infantile mortality rate of 13.0 per 1000 live birth, compared with 18.0 for
England and Wales and with 19.8 for Lancashire.

The number of cases of infectious diseases notified during the year was 552 including seven
notifications of tuberculosis, compared with 110 including two cases of tuberculosis in 1969. The
main part of this increase is in the figure for measles, 444 in 1970 compared with 45 in 1969. This
unfortunate increase reflects the public’s loss of confidence in the safety of measles vaccination
following the withdrawal of one of the brands of vaccine soon after the beginning of the pro¬
gramme. All concerned with health should encourage mothers to have their children protected
against this disease which still kills 30-40 children each year in England and Wales. Vaccination is
available at child welfare centres, school clinics and from General Practitioners. It is a simple and
harmless procedure requiring one injection only. If all children were vaccinated, measles, with its
attendant complications of pneumonia, encephalitis and deafness could become as rare as poliomye¬
litis. Attention was drawn in last year’s report to the apparent fall in the vaccination and immunisa¬
tion figures against poliomyelitis, diptheria, whooping cough, tetanus and smallpox. Some of this
reduction was due to the change in the vaccination and immunisation schedule to one starting at a
later age, using fewer injections and giving better protection more safely. The figures for immunisa¬
tion now seem to be recovering. However, it is still important to urge all young mothers to have
their babies immunised. Unfortunately, there is still public resistance to smallpox vaccination des¬
pite the real possibility of the disease being imported by a patient who has travelled from one of
the parts of the world where it is endemic. During the year a start was made on a scheme to im¬
munise all 11-14 year old schoolgirls against Rubella (german measles). This disease, if contracted
during early pregnancy can cause congenital abnormalities in the resulting baby. It is felt that the best
time to immunise girls against the disease is duiing puberty so there is no chance of giving the
vaccine to a person who is pregnant.

Cases of Infective Jaundice notified during the year numbered 58, and mostly occurred in chil¬
dren between the ages of five and fifteen, there being a particularly high incidence in two schools in
April. Because of the long incubation period and difficulty in growing the infectious agent. Infec¬
tious Jaundice is a very difficult disease to study even when a number of cases occur together.

As in previous years a considerable proportion of the time of the staff of the Department has
been spent on food hygiene, particularly with meat inspection at the large private abbatoir in the
district and with milk sampling. Two cases of Undulant fever associated with milk produced in the
district occured in 1970 and altogether nine samples of raw milk were found to be infected with
Brucella organisms. Pasteurisation renders the milk safe for consumption. There were four cases of
Salmanella infection. An outbreak of suspected food poisoning occured in the Autumn at Chamley
Fold House, but a full investigation with the assistance of the Public Health Laboratory service
failed to show the origin of the infection.

I am very grateful to Mr. Corbishley and his staff for their assistance and co-operation at all
times. Dr. N. T. W. Pover resigned at the end of June to take up a post in South Africa and was
replaced by Dr. L. M. Mayer- Jones in October. My thanks are due to other officers and their staffs
for ready help when required.

Finally I should like to express my sincere thanks to the Chairman and members of the Coun¬
cil and particularly to the Chairman of the Health Committee for the encouragement and support
which I continue to receive.

I have the honour to be.

Your obedient servant,

J. WALKER,

Medical Officer of Health.

Physical Characteristics of the Area

The shape of the district is roughly that of a quadrangle with the longer sides from East to
West of 4- miles and the shorter North to South of 3 miles. There is a pronounced slope in the area
from South East to North West, falling from 300 feet above sea level to 20 feet above mean sea level.

Part of the northern boundary of the district is formed by the River Ribble for a distance of
some two miles, and it is tidal in almost all that stretch. The River Darwen flows through a valley
in the northern part of the area and joins the Ribble towards the north western boundary of the
district.

Geologically the area is based on Triassic Sandstone upon which are placed a layer of lower
boulder clay, a layer of drift sand and finally a layer of upper boulder clay. The rock base forms an
inclined plane which dips downwards from the East towards the sea. Outcrops of this rock are
found in the beds of the rivers Ribble and Darwen. In the boulder clay layers stones of varying sizes
are found. Most of these are of Lakeland origin brought down by the movement of ice or by its
melting. In the Drift Sand layer there are deposits of gravel. Usually the layers of Glacial Drift fill
the valleys, the hill tops being free of drift.

The thickness of the layers varies considerably in different parts of the district, and the three
layers may reach 100 feet, but in most parts of the district the Upper Boulder layer approximates
10 feet, the Drift Sand 9 feet and the Lower Boulder layer from 2 feet upwards.

The two rivers form a flat tongue of land near their junction and the alluvial deposits provide
a rich soil which is utilised for market gardening.

Social Conditions and Amenities of the Area

The main portions of the district are closely associated with industry, but part is entirely
residential. The chief industries are textiles, engineering, corn milling, market gardening and dairy
farming.

There are thirteen churches in the area, a number have attached Sunday Schools covering
the various aspects of religion. Many church halls are associated with these churches where in the
winter months, social functions are held.

The clubs in the district are political, religious and non-sectarian; some are connected with
sport. Games such as billiards, snooker, darts, dominoes, etc., are played in the clubs. Additionally,
a tennis club, a table tennis club, and a cricket club are sited in the district.

The district is fortunate in having a number of playing fields, some of which are owned and
controlled by the Local Authority and others by the sports organisations from churches and clubs.
Good use is made of these for the usual seasonal sports. Some of the playing fields are now equipped
with a children’s play section.

The local Archeological Society has made excavations, particularly in the area close to the
junction of the Rivers Darwen and Ribble, where it is considered that there was, in the period of
Roman occupation, a landing place for Roman shipping. The existence of a fort is suspected, its
boundaries have not been fully traced. Many interesting relics, pottery, metals, portions of urns, etc.,
have been found there and are now displayed.

Statistics of the Area

Area in Acres (census 1961) .

Population (census 1961) as published by Registrar General
Registrar General’s estimate of population (mid- 1970)

Number of houses (census 1961) .

Number of inhabited houses (31st March, 1970) .

Rateable Value (31st December, 1970) .

Sum represented by a penny rate (31st March, 1970)
Number of Properties in district . ' .

4,733

19,061

26,830

6,265

8,832

£913,524

£3,393

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Vital Statistics

The statistics in regard to births and deaths have been supplied by the Registrar General
through the County Health Department. The number of deaths allocated are those registered during
the year as adjusted for inward and outward transfers. The number of births and stillbirths relate
to occurrences in the year and are similarly adjusted for inward and outward transfers.

CAUSES OF DEATH AT DIFFERENT PERIODS OF LIFE DURING 1970 IN THE

URBAN DISTRICT OF WALTON-LE-DALE

CAUSE OF DEATH

Sex

Total

All

Ages

Under weeks -
4 and

weeks under

1 year

AGE IN YEARS

1- 5- 15-

- 25-

35-

45-

55-

65-

and

over

Enteritis and Other Diarrhoeal

Diseases . .

B18

Other Infective and Parasitic

Diseases . .

B19(l)

Malignant Neoplasm, Buccal

Cavity, etc.

B19(3)

Malignant Neoplasm, Stomach . .

B19(4)

Malignant Neoplasm , Intestine . .

B19(5)

Malignant Neoplasm, Larynx . .

—

B19(6)

Malignant Neoplasm, Lung,

_ _ _ _

—

— —

Bronchus

—

- - -

—

B19(7)

Malignant Neoplasm, Breast

—

- - -

—

B19(8)

Malignant Neoplasm, Uterus

B19(10)

Leukaemia . .

B19(ll)

Other Malignant Neoplasms

—

— — — .

—

— -

—

- - -

—

B21

Diabetes Mellitus . .

—

B46(4)

Multiple Sclerosis . .

B46(5)

Other Diseases of Nervous System

—

B26

Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease

—

- - - -

—

- —

—

B27

Hypertensive Disease

—

B28

Ischaemic Heart Disease . .

—

- . - -

- .

—

- - -

—

B29

Other Forms of Heart Disease . .

B30

Cerebrovascular Disease . .

—

- - -

—

B46(6)

Other Diseases of Circulatory

—

System

B31

Influenza . .

B32

Pneumonia . .

B33(l)

Bronchitis and Emphysema

—

— — —

—

B46(7)

Other Diseases of Respiratory

B34

Peptic Ulcer

B36

Intestinal Obstruction and Hernia

—

B46(8)

Other Diseases of Digestive System

—

B38

Nephritis and Nephrosis . .

—

- - - -

—

B46(9)

Other Diseases, Genito-Urinary

—

— — —

—

B42

Congenital Anomalies

—

— — —

—

- - - -

—

B43

Birth Injury, Difficult Labour, etc.

—

B44

Other Causes of Perinatal Mortality

—

BE47

Motor Vehicle Accidents . .

■

_ _ _

—

— — 1

—

BE48

All Other Accidents

—

— 1 —

—

1 — —

BE49

Suicide and Self-Inflicted Injuries

Total All Causes . .

131

_ i __

120

1 — 2

TABLE OF COMPARATIVE STATISTICS

PER i,ooo ESTIMATED POPULATION

Maternal
Mortality
rate per
1,000

Total births

Infantile
Mortality
rate per

I,OOC

Live births

BIRTH RATE

DEATH RATE

Pul. T.B.
Death rate

Cancer
Death rate

Crude

Adjusted

Crude

Adjusted

Walton-Ie-Dale

Mean of 5 years 1965/9

24 04

21-06

9-46

12-16

002

1-65

0-35

16-86

1969

21-90

19-70

9-60

11-70

0-04

1-57

nil

21-00

1970

23.20

20.90

9.40

11.60

nil

1.56

nil

|13.00

Increase or decrease
in 1970 compared to :

5 year mean

—0-84

—0-16

—0-06

—0-56

—0-02

—0-09

—0-35

—3-86

previous year

+ 1-30

+ 1-20

—0-20

—010

—0.04

—0-01

nil

—7-00

County of Lancaster
1970

16-9

17-2

12-5

13-6

0-015

2-30

0-14

19-8

England and Wales

1970

16 0

•7

0-019

2-39

0 18

18-00

Table of Decades

MEAN RATES

Per 1,000 Population

Enteric Fever

Diphtheria

Scarlet Fever

Period

Birth

Rate

Death

Rate

Pul T.B.
Death
Rate

Infantile

Mortality

Rate

Cases

Deaths

Cases

Deaths

Cases

Deaths

from

Diarrhoea

Ten Years
1891-1900

30-8

18.9

1-25

188

133

211

122

1901-1910

26-3

14-7

0-95

128

116

291

1911-1920

18-7

13-7

0-91

107

166

565

1921-1930

16-0

12-0

0-72

310

1931-1940

140

12-7

0-44

414

1941-1950

16-5

12-3

0-33

280

1951-1960

16-4

11-7

0-09

514

1971-1970

24-2

9*8

0.02

220

i During the last decade the international classification of death was amended. Deaths from Dia¬
rrhoea now reclassified at B4 includes Enteritis and other Diarrhoeal diseases.

Death and Death Rates i

i The number of deaths registered during the y ear was 251 (131 Males and 120 Females) and the
death rate is 9.40. The rate for England and Wales is 11.7.

Infantile Mortality

r There were eight deaths of infants before their first birthday, this compares with 12 in the pre¬
vious year. The Infant Mortality rate for the District is 13.00 compared with 21.00 in the previous
year. The rate for England and Wales is 18.00 the same as the previous year. The cause of death
in each case is given below.

• Age

Sex

Cause of Death

>2 hours

Prematurity

6 hours

Prematurity

1 day

Anencephalic

3 days

Septicaemia

3 weeks

Congenital Heart Disease

5 weeks

Asphyxia

3 months

Viral Pneumonitis

5 months

Broncho Pneumonia

Neo-Natal, Early Neo-Natal and Perinatal Mortality

Separate detailed figures are provided for deaths in early infancy, Neo-Natal figures relate to
deaths within 4 weeks of birth. Early Neo-Natal deaths within 1 week of birth and the Perinatal
mortality is the early Neo-Natal and stillbirths combined.

Neo-Natal deaths . 8

Early Neo-Natal deaths . 6

Perinatal deaths . 17

Maternal Mortality

It is pleasing to report that once again there were no maternal deaths associated with child¬
birth.

PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER, INFECTIOUS DISEASES
CASES OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES NOTIFIED DURING THE YEAR 1970

NOTIFIABLE

DISEASE

TOTAL CASES NOTIFIED

Total
cases
at all
ages

AGE PL

i. RIO DS— YEARS

Total

deaths

10-

15-

25 and
over

Age

un¬

known

Measles (excluding

rubella)

444

155

—

Dysentery

—

Scarlet fever

—

Diphtheria

Acute meningitis

—

Acute poliomyelitis —

paralytic . .

—

• —

—

non-paralytic . .

15-

45-

65 and
over

Age

unknown

Acute encephalitis —

Infective

—

Post-infectious

—

Leptospirosis

—

Paratyphoid fever

—

Typhoid fever . .

—

Food poisoning. .

Total

Cases All
Ages

10-

15-

20-

25-

35-

45-

55-

65-

75-

Age

unknown

Tetanus

Infective jaundice
Tuberculosis —

—

Respiratory

—

Meninges and C.N.S.

—

Other . .

Whooping cough

Smallpox

Ophthalmia neonatorum
Anthrax
Yellow fever
Others (specify)

No. of cases of fatal tuberculosis not notified before death

TOTAL

Tuberculosis

f During the year 7 cases of Tuberculosis have been notified to the Department. These consisted
of: —

Pulmonary: — »

New cases . . . 6

Transfers In . —

N on- Pulmonary : —

New cases
Transfers In

Removed from the Register during the year were: —

Pulmonary . 41

Non-Pulmonary . 13

On Register at end of 1970

Pulmonary Non-Pulmonary Combined Cases
27 1 —

During the year the County M.O.H. re-examined the TB register and as a result of this investi¬
gation it was decided to remove 36 pulmonary and 13 non-pulmonary cases.

Dysentery and Food Poisoning

Four cases of Dysentery have been reported during the year. Six cases of Food Poisoning were
reported. It was not possible to trace any vehicle of infection.

In addition, a suspected outbreak at a residential home involving 12 old people was investiga¬
ted. Two residents were found to be positive for Cl. Welchii, the others remained negative. It was
not possible to discover any infected food.

Poliomyelitis

No cases of poliomyelitis have been reported during the year.

Measles

444 cases of measles have been reported compared with 45 cases in the previous year.

Whooping Cough

17 cases have been reported during the year.

Scarlet Fever

16 cases have been reported compared with 18 cases in the previous year.

Infective Jaundice

58 cases have geen reported during the year compared with 32 in the previous year. Ail the
cases have been investigated and nothing significant has been ascertained from the reports although
it was noted that there was a higher incidence of cases in scholars at two schools.

GENERAL PROVISIONS OF HEALTH SERVICES IN THE AREA

County Council Services in the Area

Ambulance Service

The ambulance service covering the area of the Urban District is radio-controlled from the
Ambulance Headquarters at Broughton, where requests for ambulance transport are directed.

Child Health Clinics

There are three in the district, one at the School Clinic, Brindle Road, one at St. James'
Institute, Lostock Hall, and one at Gregson Lane. The Brindle Road Clinic met weekly on Tuesday
and Thursday afternoons with a Health Visitor session each Tuesday and Thursday morning, the
Lostock Hall Clinic weekly on Monday afternoons, and the Gregson Lane Clinic on alternate
Wednesdays during the afternoon.

Cervical Cytology

Facilities for the early ascertainment of cervical cancer are available for mature women, by
appointment, at the School Clinic, Brindle Road.

Home Help Service

Home Helps are employed in Walton-le-Dale and district, and help a variety of cases
including confinements, sickness, old age and infirmity, and Tuberculosis cases. Night helps are
also employed where needed.

School Medical Service

Medical and hygiene inspections are carried out at the School Clinic, Brindle Road, Bamber
Bridge, Clinic sessions are held for a variety of treatments including minor ailments, dental care
and ophthalmic conditions. The County Council make special provisions for residential schooling
for various categories of handicapped children such as the blind, partially sighted, deaf and dumb
epileptics, delicate and backward.

Convalescent Care

In suitable cases arrangements are made for the admission of patients to convalescent home*

Chiropody Service

A free chiropody service for elderly people, expectant mothers and registered handicapped
persons is available at the School Clinic, Brindle Road, on the second Wednesday afternoon each
month.

In addition a free chiropody service for elderly people is available through the Walton-le-
Dale Voluntary Old People’s Welfare Committee at two local chiropodist’s surgeries.

Where persons are unable to attend the Clinic or surgeries a domiciliary service is available.

Mental Health Services

There are two hostels Maplewood House in Ash Grove, Bamber Bridge for mentally handi¬
capped children and Priding House in Co-operative Street for adults. Adjacent to the latter there is
Bymbrig Adult Training Centre. The recently built Coppice Junior Training Centre is now a special
school under the County Education Department. Although these premises are situated in Bamber
Bridge the facilities provided are not confined to Walton-le-Dale.

Day Nursery

This provides accommodation for 50 children under the age of 5 years.

Health Visitors

A staff of Health Visitors are based at the School Clinic, Brindle Road, Bamber Bridge.
Telephone No. Preston 35171.

Domiciliary Midwifery Service

Four domiciliary midwifery sisters are employed in the Urban District.

Miss M. Gould, 33 Wellington Place, Walton-le-Dale. Tel. 35518.

Miss H. Gibson, 8 Cedar Avenue, Lostock Hall. Tel. 37020.

Mrs. M. Gibson, 23 Walton Avenue, Penwortham. Tel. 44079.

Mrs. P. K. Martin, 187 Chorley Road. Tel. 38463 (from August).

Domiciliary Nursing Service

The Domiciliary Nursing Service is provided in the area by five district nursing sisters, one
district nurse and two nursing auxiliaries.

Mrs. M. A. Arnold, 4 Lyndale Avenue, Lostock Hall. Tel. 35929.

Mrs. M. E. Hunter, 4 Kew Gardens, Farington. Tel. Leyland 22824.

Mrs. E. M. Vincent, 25 Aldersleigh Crescent, Hoghton. Tel. Hoghton 827.

Mrs. J. I. Abbott, 3 Haysworth Street, Preston. Tel. 56812.

Mrs. A. Smith, 82 Laburnum Avenue, Lostock Hall. Tel. 35812.

Mrs. M. Thompson, 66 Withy Trees Avenue, Bamber Bridge (District Nurse). Tel. 36812.
Mrs. J. M. Urwin, 9 King Street, Lostock Hall. Tel. 37201 (District Nurse).

Mrs. T. Longton, 6 Queensway, Bamber Bridge. (Nursing Auxiliary).

Mrs. P. Bennett, 17 Fairfield Street, Lostock Hall. (Nursing Auxiliary).

Ante-Natal Clinic

Sessions are held weekly at the School Clinic, Brindle Road when County Council midwifery
and sisters are in attendance.

Welfare Services

Residential homes are provided to accommodate elderly and infirm persons who no longer
have anyone to adequately care for them or who are unable to care for themselves. Arrangements
can also be made for elderly persons to be admitted to a home for a short period (usually two
weeks) to enable relatives to have a respite or take a holiday.

Handicapped persons can be helped in many ways by minor adaptations in their homes, or
by instruction in handicrafts etc., by an Occupational Therapist. A Social and Handicraft Centre
is held each Monday evening in Leyland, and Out- Work Centre is held during the week in Fulwood,
and woodwork and sewing classes are held in Bamber Bridge on Tuesday evenings. Transport to
these centres is provided for those who are unable to travel themselves.

Holidays are also arranged for handicapped persons.

Hospitals

The hospitals administered by the Preston and Chorley Hospitals Management Committee
were available for patients from this district. They were : —

(1) Preston Royal Infirmary.

(2) Sharoe Green Hospital.

(3) Chorley and District Hospital.

(4) Eaves Lane Hospital, Chorley.

There were annexes, belonging to this group of hospitals for Continuation, Convalescent, or
Specialised treatment. One of these, Lostock Hall Continuation Hospital, is situated in this district.

All the hospitals were extensively used, for out-patient as well as in-patient treatment, by
persons from this area, though the extent of this use was not known, as figures of attendances or lists
of diseases were not available nor supplied by the hospitals. It would, therefore, be impossible to
give even an approximate estimate of the amount of illness or disability for which these hospitals
cater.

Sufferers from Malignant Diseases received specialised treatment at the special unit at Preston
Royal Infirmary staffed by personnel from the Christie Hospital. Manchester.

Venereal Diseases were treated at a specialised clinic at Preston Royal Infirmary.

Immunisations

PRIMARY

RE- VA CCINA TIONS

Immunised

against

Diphtheria

Immunised

against

Whooping

Cough

Immunised

against

Tetanus

Measles

Rubella

Totals

Immunised

against

Diphtheria

Immunised

against

Whooping

Cough

Immunised

against

Tetanus

Totals

0-15 years
inclusive

0-1 5 years
inclusive

0-15 years
inclusive

417

413

417

251

101

1,599

552

555

1,116

Re-vaccination is not necessary for Measles or Rubella.

Smallpox Vaccination

Primary \

Vaccinations
Age in yean

performed

Re-vaccinations

Under 2

2—

5—15

Total

154

269

Poliomyelitis Vaccination

Year of Birth

Primary Vaccinations

Reinforcements

1970 .

___

1969 .

253

—

1968 .

124

1967 .

—

1963-1966

453

Others under 16 years . .

—

TOTAL . .

407

479

Tuberculosis

The County Council supply the Health Visitor Staff, whilst the Regional Hospital Board
supply the Medical Staff. The Chest Clinic for this area is at Sharoe Green Hospital, Fulwood.

Inspections, examinations, X-ray, light treatment, and general medical treatment were given
at the Clinic.

Housing
(a) Statistics

(1) Number of new dwellings erected during the year:

(i) By the local authority .

Houses

Flats

(ii) By other local authorities

—

(iii) By other bodies or persons .

130

—

(2) Total No. of dwellings owned by any local authority, existing in district at end of year

820

Housing Statistics — continued

(3) Inspections of dwellings during the year :

(i) (a) Total No. of dwellings inspected formally or informally for housing defects (under Public

Health or Housing Acts) .

(b) No. of inspections, formal or informal, made for the purpose

(c) No. of dwellings in (a) above found to be not in all respects reasonably fit for human
habitation but capable of being rendered fit . .

(ii) Total No. of dwellings existing at end of year, occupied or not, which were unfit for human
habitation and not capable at reasonable expense of being rendered fit and in respect of which
(a) Demolition, Clearance or Closing Orders have been made (at any time)

(b) Demolition, Clearance or Closing Orders have not yet been made

759

982

465

(4)

Houses Demolished: —

In or Adjoining Clearance Areas:

(i) Houses unfit for human habitation

(ii) Houses included by reason of bad arrangement, etc.

(iii) Houses on land acquired under S. 43(2), Housing Act, 1957 . .
Not in or Adjoining Clearance Areas: —

(iv) As a result of formal or informal procedure under S. 16 or S. 17(1)
Housing Act, 1957

Local Authority owned houses certified unfit by the Medical
Officer Health

Houses unfit for human habitation where action has been taken

under local Acts .

Unfit houses included in Unfitness Orders

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

Number

Displayed during year
from houses to be
demolished or closed

Persons

X . z .

Families

y .

(5) Unfit Houses Closed : —

(i) Under S. 16(4), S. 17(1) and S. 35(1), Housing Act, 1957, and
S. 26, Housing Act, 1961

(ii) Under S. 17(3) and S. 26, Housing Act, 1957

(iii) Parts of buildings closed under S. 18, Housing Act, 1957

(6) Unfit Houses Made Fit: —

(i) By owner after informal action by local authority

(ii) After formal notice under S. 9 and S. 16, Housing Act, 1957 — (a) by owner

(b) by local authority

(iii) After formal notice under Public Health Acts

(iv) After modification or revocation of a clearance order under S. 24, Housing Act, 1961

(v) After determination of a demolition order under S. 24, Housing Act, 1957

Number

(7) Unfit Houses in Temporary Use (Housing Act, 1957): —

Position at end of year : —

(i) Retained for temporary accommodation —

(a) Under Section 48

(b) Under Section 17(2)

(ii) Licensed for temporary occupation under Section 34 or Section

No. of
Houses (1)

No. of
separate
dwellings
contained in
column (1) (2)

(8) Purchase of Houses by Agreement : —

Houses in clearance areas other than those included in confirmed orders or com¬
pulsory purchase orders . . . . .

No. of
Houses
(1)

No. of
occupants of
houses in
column (1) (2)

(9) Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958, and Housing Act, 1969-
Improvement grants, etc. : —

Action during year : —

Owner

occupied

Others

Local

Authority

(i) Submitted by private individuals to local authority

—

(ii) Approved by local authority

—

(iii) Submitted by local authority to Ministry

—

(iv) Finally approved by Ministry

—

(v) Work completed

—

(vi) Additional separate dwellings included in (v) above

—

No. of dwelling houses or other
buildings affected in schemes of

(vii) Any other action taken under the Acts, e.g., General Improvement Areas (give brief particulars)

No. of dwellings or

(10) House Purchase and Housing Act, 1959 and Housing Acts, 1961, 1964 and 1969 —
Standard Grants: —

other buildi

Owner

ngs affected

Action during year : —

(i) Applications submitted to local authority for improvement to

occupied

Others

(a) full standard

(b) reduced standard

(ii) Total applications approved by local authority for improvement to

—

(a) full standard

(b) reduced standard

—

(iii) Work completed

(iv) Particulars of any action taken relating to compulsory improvement of dwellings: None.

(11) Housing Act, 1969 — Special Grants: —

No. of dwellings or
other buildings affected

Action during year : —

Owner

occupied

Others

(i) Applications submitted to local authority for special grant

(ii) Applications approved by local authority for improvement by special grant . .

(iii) Work completed .

Food and Drugs Act, 1955

The County Council is the Food and Drugs Authority in this area. Samples were taken by
an Assistant County Public Health Officer.

I give below details of the samples provided by the County Analyst: —

A total of 165 samples was obtained comprising 118 milks (1 of which was a Channel Islands
milk) and 47 others as follows: —

1 Part Box of Chocolates
1 Potato and Meat Pie

1 Sausage Roll

2 Margarine
2 Lard

1 Raisins
1 Currants
1 Rice

1 Food Colour
1 Caster Sugar
1 Shrimps in Brine, canned
1 Spinach, frozen

1 Uncooked Mince Steak Pie Frozen
1 Pilchards in Tomato Sauce, canned
1 Peeled Tomatoes, canned
1 Mixed Pickling Spice
1 Butter
1 Potato Pie
1 Soda Water
1 Breakfast Cereal
1 Raspberry Jam
1 Tea

1 Corned Beef, canned

1 Margarine
I Dried Thyme
1 Dried Parsley
1 Malt Vinegar
1 Jelly Powder
1 Ground Mixed Spice
1 Sultanas
1 Dairy Ice Cream
1 Hair Lotion

1 Savoury Beef Pie, uncooked, frozen
1 Rissoles, frozen
1 Beef Spread
1 Beef Sausages
1 Vi Cil. K. Tablets
1 Cold Relief Powder

(Instant Hot Lemon Drink)

1 Mincemeat
1 Almond Marzipan
1 Ground Almonds
1 Fish Fingers

1 Edible Cake Decorations

2 Dried Full Cream Milk Food

1 give details of those samples on which the County Analyst gave adverse reports: —

Sample

Result of Analysis

Action Taken

Part Box of

Chocolates

Nut decoration on one of the chocolates bore
signs of insect damage and carried a deposit of
insect webbing and excrement weighing 20
milligrams.

Manufacturer, vendor
and complainant
informed.

Potato & Meat Pie

The piece of wire submitted with the sample
consisted of soft iron wire of length 42 milli¬
metres section 0.54 millimetres and weight 78
milligrams. No confirmation of its association
with the pie was possible.

Baker

Cautioned and
complainant informed.

Sausage Rolls

Areas of mould growth, measuring on one sau¬
sage meat filling, 12 millimetres and 13 milli¬
metres in diameter (and merging together at
their circumferences) and being approximately

1 millimetre in thickness. Traces from these
areas of growth marked the pastry which had
covered the filling and much smaller areas of
mould growth, one measuring approx. 1.5 milli¬
metres in diameter and the other measuring
approx. 1 millimetre in diameter were found on
the inside of the pastry coverings of two of the
other sausage rolls.

Producer and vendor
cautioned and
complainant informed.

Formal Milk

Fat 3.35

Solids-not-fat . 7.55

Water . 89.10

Prosecution

Fined £20

Costs £10

100.00

Freezing point (Hortvet) - 0.479 0 C.

Potato Pie

Contained stainless steel wire containing appro¬
ximately 9% nickel and 12% chromium mea¬
suring 6.1 cms. in length (i.e. nearly 2\ inches)
and consisting of four strands of about 0.3 mm.
diameter twisted together to make a composite
cable of about 0.75 millimetres diameter, the
total weight being 0.122 grammes.

Bakers

Cautioned and
complainant informed.

Jelly Powder

Contained no sugar. Should be labelled “Un¬
sweetened Jelly Powder”.

School Kitchen.

No action advised

Informal Milk

Fat 2.98%.

Deficient 3.3% fat.

Producer informed.

Dried Full Cream

Milk Food
(opened packet)

Contained a moth larva of the family Tinacidae
but no frass, webbing or moults present and gut
content included some textile fibres.

Complainant informed
and Dept, of Social

Security advised.

Milk and Milk Production

254 samples of raw milk have been examined for Brucellosis, and nine positive samples were
detected. In each case the animal was removed from the herd prior to the laboratory result being
confirmed.

Two cases of Undulant Fever were reported during the year and associated with milk pro¬
duced in the area. One was a resident and the other person lived in an adjacent Local Authority.

20 samples of milk examined for tuberculosis were all found to be negative.

3 samples of heat treated milk have been examined and found satisfactory.

40 samples of cream were examined and all were produced from pasteurised milk. 36 fully
satisfied the Public Health Laboratory but four failed their tests. All the samples were from one
dairy the only manufacturer of cream in the area. As a result of the unsatisfactory samples improved
handling and packing facilities have been installed.

Milk in School Scheme

All Primary and Junior schools in the area receive heat treated milk.

Tuberculosis Order 1938

No action has been necessary under the Order.

Ice Cream

There is now only one producer of ice cream in the district who uses a batch pasteuriser
for manufacturing small quantities of ice cream for retail sale from his own shop. All other registered
premises retail the products of national companies. 12 samples have been obtained during the year
and all were satisfactory.

Food Hygiene

Continued vigilance has been maintained at food hygiene premises throughout the district
where standards of food handling at individual premises continues to improve. There is a general
realisation amongst food handlers that care must be taken in the handling of food which has to
be consumed by other people. It is very seldom that we find open food exposed for sale on shop
counters unless it is adequately protected, and proprietors are fully aware of the danger of fly infes-
tated premises and take the necessary steps to control these insects aided by such very excellent
products now on the market, which assist in fly control. 25 visits have been made to food
premises during the year and advice given to persons engaged in the food trade.

Housing the Aged
Senior Citizens Bungalow Scheme

The special housing scheme introduced by the Council with the assistance of financial help
from the Lancashire County Council has now been operating for 10 years. During this period many
of our senior citizens have benefited from the housing accommodation and facilities offered to them.

Arrangments were in hand at the end of the year to provide additional facilities in the Laun¬
dry including a Tumbleaire Dryer and most of the residents make use of this service.

10 residents were housed during the past year, the accommodation becoming available be¬
cause tenants had either died or moved in with their in-laws.

Liquid Egg (Pasteurisation) Regulations 1963

No action has been necessary under the Regulations. There are no egg pasteurisation
plants in the district.

Schools

At the end of the year there were 18 schools in the district: —

Primary

All Saints

Bamber Bridge Methodist
Lostock Hall County
Manybrooks
Severn Drive Infants
Severn Drive Junior
St. Aidan’s
St. Gerard’s

St. Leonard’s, Church Brow
St. Leonard’s, Walton Green
St. Mary’s, Duddle Lane
St. Mary’s, Browedge Lane
St. Mary’s Junior
St. Patrick’s
St. Saviour

Secondary Modern

Walton-le-Dale, Brindle Road
Lostock Hall, Todd Lane
St. Mary’s, Station Road

Air Pollution

No action has been taken to reduce domestic air pollution. No smoke control areas are pro¬
posed.

Pollution from industrial sources has created no problems and no complaints have been
received.

Technical improvements and alterations are carried out in consultation with the Public Health
Inspector. A number of such schemes have been carried out.

Water Supply

22 samples have been bacteriologically examined by the Public Health Laboratory Service
and Preston and District Water Board. Three have been reported as unsatisfactory but “follow-up”
samples taken after adjustments to the chlorinators were satisfactory.

One chemical sample examined by Preston and District Water Board was satisfactory.

All premises within the district have a piped water supply. No shortages have been reported.

Factories

Following is a facsimile of the Report sent to the Ministry of Labour for 1970.
Prescribed Particulars on the Administration of the Factories Act 1961.

PART 1 OF THE ACT

1 — INSPECTIONS for purposes of provisions as to health (made by Public Health Inspectors)

PREMISES

(1)

Number

(2)

Inspections

(3)

Number of
Written
Notices
(4)

Occupiers

Prosecuted

(5)

(i) Factories in which sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 are to be
enforced by Local Authority .

—

(ii) Factories not included in (i) in which Section 7 is
enforced by the Local Authority .

(iii) Other premises in which Section 7 is enforced by the
Local Authority (excluding out-workers’ premises)

TOTAL . .

108

—

2 — Cases in which DEFECTS were found

(If defects are discovered at the premises on two, three or more separate occasions they should
be reckoned, as two, three or more “cases”).

Particulars

(1)

Found

(2)

Remedied

(3)

Number of cases in which
defects were found

Number of
cases in which
prosecutions
were

instituted

(6)

REFE
To H.M.
Inspector
(4)

RRED

By H.M.
Inspector
(5)

Want of cleanliness (S.l) .

Overcrowding (S.2)

—

Unreasonable Temperature (S.3)

—

Inadequate ventilation .

—

Ineffective drainage of floors

—

Sanitary Conveniences (S7)

a) Insufficient

—

b) Unsuitable or Defective . .

—

- -

c ) Not Separate for Sexes . .

—

Other Offences, etc. . .

—

TOTAL . .

—

REPORT OF THE CHIEF HEALTH INSPECTOR FOR THE YEAR 1970

To the Chairman and Members of the Council:

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to present to you my Annual Report for 1970. The year has been a particu¬
larly trying one due to the large increase in throughput at the Abbatoir and an extremely busy
year in the office. The Abbatoir increased its throughput from 278,490 units in 1969 to 373,000
units in 1970, an increase of 94,500 units, a considerable increase for such a small department to
absorb. As a result it was necessary to alter the inspection service. Two inspectors were on duty at
all times. Towards the end of the year the Council decided to expand the department by an extra
Authorised Meat Inspector and thus relieve the Public Health Inspector from full-time inspection
duties. The extra appointment had not been made at year end.

Poultry processing also increased from 600,000 to 754,000 birds.

A large amount of time was expended in dealing with abandoned motor vehicles under the
Civic Amenities Act. 29 vehicles have been removed and 85 visits made in connection with them.

Refuse dumping is becoming a serious social and aesthetic problem, apart from being a
potential health hazard. In order to keep the area clean and tidy it is necessary to remove litter
almost weekly from certain parts of the district. To combat this nuisance the Council decided to
provide access to their tip at all times with free tipping facilities for residents. Residents are now
using the tip but dumping in unauthorised sites continues.

Consideration was given by the Council during the year to the question of continued tipping
at Hennel Lane and it was agreed that due to the tip’s limited life an approach should be made to
Preston Corporation with a view to taking the majority of the refuse (from Walton-le-Dale) to Pres¬
ton Corporation’s tip at Freckleton. After lengthy negotiations it was finally agreed for the Council
to tip at Freckleton and for this purpose it was necessary to obtain two vehicles large enough to take
one full day’s collection of refuse from two areas, mainly the housing estates. Two 4Norba’ vehicles
were ordered and delivered at the end of October. These were put into service and are now operat¬
ing quite satisfactory.

Housing claimed quite a lot of attention during the year and in particular the redevelopment
of Club Street. Although it was resolved in 1965 that these houses would have a further life of be¬
tween 10 and 15 years, the Council finally agreed to purchase Club Street houses, where possible
by agreement, and rehouse the occupants. At the end of the year the Council were considering
Club Street as a housing improvement area and had commenced operations on the purchase of
owner /occupied houses.

Foul and surface water drainage continues to be ever in the mind of the Public Health In¬
spector and quite a large amount of time was spent on investigating drainage problems. Choked
culverts, polluted watercourses particularly those adjacent to dwellings, received constant attention.

Once again it is sad to report that no action has been taken to reduce the large amount of
air pollution from domestic sources and no progress has been made in the establishment of smoke
control areas. The Government will have to declare Walton-le-Dale a black area before any action
is contemplated.

The problem of environmental noise has again been given an increased amount of attention
and many complaints from residents have been received concerning both industrial noise and noise
from neighbours, pets and musical instruments. Details of the work done will be found in the body
of the report.

A new problem arose during the year which caused a little concern and a substantial amount
of work. I refer to the menace of the “hog weed” which grows in prolific patches on the banks of
the River Darwen. This came into prominence as a result of two children being badly “stung” by this
weed, which mushrooms to a height of 8' or 9'. Vulnerable areas in and around Higher
Walton and Walton-le-Dale were treated with Sodium Chlorate and some of tne smaller areas were
cut down with a scythe.

Continued vigilance has been maintained over milk supply and in particular constant atten¬
tion has been paid to checking milk for Brucella infection which is the cause of Undulent Fever in
man. Untreated milk continues to be sold within the district, although this is on the decrease and
we now have only eight producer-retailers in the district.

Health education has been a subject which we have become increasingly involved in and
talks illustrated by film strips have been shown to voluntary organisations in the evening and two
of the staff have been engaged in lecturing to schoolchildren on such matters as personal hygiene,
food hygiene and smoking.

There appears to be a streak of anti-social problems arising as a result of the couldn’t-care-
less attitude, particularly amongst the younger people. Civic amenities and environment virtually
mean nothing to them and the district is constantly being upset by vandalism, dumping of refuse,
fouling of footpaths and other anti-social crimes which are difficult to control. I cannot see any
methods likely to be employed in the future which are going to overcome these increasing prob¬
lems.

In conclusion I desire to express my appreciation for the help and co-operation of the staff
of the Health Department, in particular Mr. Williams, my Deputy, and Mrs. Holden, my secretary.
To the foreman of the Cleansing Service for the help and continued loyalty many thanks. The Meat
Inspection Service was kept under complete control by Mr. F. Schofield, who is always able to cope
with the many problems which arise; and finally to Mr. Stanley who has been with us two years and
fits in as one of an efficient team of environmental workers.

To the Chairman of the Public Health Committee, Mr. Councillor Morgan, the Councillors
and other Officers, my thanks for help and support extended to me during the year.

I remain. Ladies and Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant.

G .N. CORBISHLEY

1. Visits and Inspections Made

Water Supply . 17

Drainage . 214

Movable Dwellings . 1

Factories . 9

Refuse Collection . 27

Refuse Disposal . 52

Rodent Control — Private . 82

Rodent Control — Business . 16

Air Pollution . 19

Schools . 7

Shops Act . 15

Noise Abatement . 34

Miscellaneous . 162

Offices, Shops & Railway Premises . 11

Civic Amenities Act . 85

2. Housing

P.H.A. Houses Inspected

H.A. Houses Inspected .

Verminous, etc., houses .

Old Age People and Welfare ....
Miscellaneous .

3. Infectious Diseases

General Inquiries .

Miscellaneous Inquiries .

4. Meat and Food Inspections

Food Preparation .

Hygiene Regulations .

Slaughterhouses .

Miscellaneous .

5. Sampling

Milk .

Food Sampling .

Brucella Abortus (milks)

6. A total of 2,190 visits were made.

212

103

726

Notices:

Notices Served

Informal .

Formal .

Informal complied with ....
Formal complied with ....

Housing

There is no housing shortage in the District. A start was made during the year with the
acquisition of houses in Club Street for clearance purposes. Some houses were closed, others re¬
tained for temporary accommodation. A house was also purchased in Darwen Street, Higher Walton,
as a preliminary to Housing Act action on the street.

Rent Act

No action was necessary under the Rent Act during the year.

Improvement Grants

The Engineer & Surveyor is responsible for implementing the Improvement Grant Scheme.
All applications have been for standard grants up to the full standard. 62 applications have been
made and approved and the work has been completed on 38 houses.

Movable Dwellings

There are three caravans in use in the area. As the dwellings are all used in conjunction with
an adjacent permanent dwelling, no difficulties have arisen with their use.

Drainage

Blockages in 437 drains have been cleared during the year. This has required 214 visits by
the Public Health Inspector.

Pollution of Cockshott Brook was a problem throughout the year. This open watercourse is
adjacent to residential property and receives effluent from a number of buried culverts. The tracing
of pollution in such culverts is a lengthy procedure and at year-end this investigation had not been
satisfactorily concluded.

Rodent Control

The number of complaints of rodent infestations, both of rats and mice increased during the
year. There are two reasons for this. In the first instance the rat population has increased due to the
infestation in the sewerage system which has not been treated for two years. This shows an increase
in surface infestations.

Secondly, it is now known that mice have become completely immune to Warfarin poison
which is no longer effective against mice. Consequently, there has been an increase in complaints.
During the year 195 complaints were received, an increase of 34 over the previous year.

The following table indicates the number of complaints, infestations and visits made to pre¬
mises during the year.

Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949

1. No. of rodent operatives employed — (a) Full time . —

(b) Part time . 1

2. Action relating to rodent control during year —

TYPE OFF

PROPERTY

TV on-agricultural

Agricultural

(a) No. of properties in district, April 1st, 1970

9,770

(b) Total number of properties (including nearby premises)
inspected following notification . .

342

112

Mice .

—

(d) Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or
mice for reasons other than notification

(e) No. of (d) infested by — Rats

Mice .

Air Pollution

The Council have no plans to introduce smoke control areas, so that air pollution from do¬
mestic sources remains uncontrolled. Improvements aTt industrial premises, extensions and new
chimneys require prior notification to the Local Authority. This is helpful in achieving high stan¬
dards, and co-operation between all interested parties has been excellent.

MEAT AND FOOD
Slaughterhouses

The two licensed slaughterhouses continued to operate on similar lines to previous years.

Carcases and Offal inspected and rejected in whole or in part

Cattle

Excluding

Cows

Calves

Sheep

and

Lambs

Pigs

Number killed (if known)

6,300

12,192

63,558

19,987

Number inspected .

6,300

12,192

63,558

19,987

All diseases except Tuberculosis and Cysticerci:
Whole Carcases condemned

120

Carcases of which some part or organ was
condemned

2,800

8,054

16,423

12,667

Percentage of the number inspected affected
with disease other than Tuberculosis and
Cysticerci . . . . .

46*3

66-24

27-39

63-37

Tuberculosis only:

Whole carcases condemned

Carcases of which some part or organ was
condemned

Percentage of number inspected affected with
Tuberculosis . .

—

Cystic ercosis:

Carcases of which some part or organ was
condemned . .

Carcases submitted to treatment by refrigeration

—

Generalised and totally condemned . .

1 ■

’ 1

Poultry Inspection

(i) No. of poultry processing premises within district at end of 1970 2

(ii) No. of visits made to these premises during the year . 104

(iii) Total No. of birds processed during the year . 756047

Types of birds processed .... (a) Turkeys . 2150

(b) Ducks . Nil

(d) Broilers . J-753897

(e) Capons . J

No. of birds rejected as unfit for human consumption .... approx. 3%

Meat Inspection

There has been a further large increase in throughput at British Beef Co., the largest of the
two private slaughterhouses in the district. The total number of animals slaughtered being 101,938,
the increase being mainly due to further involvement in export to the E.E.C. countries.

During the first three months of the year up to 2,000 lambs per week were being slaughtered
during what is traditionally an annual slackening off period for the lamb trade. Carcases destined
for export are all transported in special refrigerated vehicles to Airports, or in Transport Inter¬
nationale Routtiere vehicles in which they are conveyed the whole journey by sea and road.

The seasonal lull in production between April and June gives an opportunity to the engineer¬
ing staff to repair and replace machinery and for modifications to be carried out.

Because of the continual increase in production, the company is proposing to modify each of
the line systems, to facilitate an even greater throughput than was envisaged when the premises
were first designed. This work will be carried out in mid 1971 before the seasonal rush begins.

The dock strike that took place in July stopped the importation of meat to this country and
forced the Government to ban the export of meat to avoid short supply, this drastically cut pro¬
duction for several weeks.

British Beef Company kindly invited any councillors who wished to, to visit the slaughter¬
house. Several accepted the invitation and spent an interesting two hours visiting the lairages,
slaughterhall, boning room and refrigerators, under the guidance of Mr. Corbishley, Mr. Williams
and Mr. Schofield.

In November the premises were inspected by Ministry Veterinary officers who, if dissatisfied
with hygiene control etc., can recommend the removal of the export licence which is only awarded
to abattoirs of a very high standard. Their report will be available in January 1971.

The smaller private slaughterhouse in the district continues with much the same throughput
for their local trade.

An increased total throughput of almost 50% at the two processing stations in the district
gives an indication of the national increase in poultry consumption. This is due mainly to the es¬
calating price of red meat which is rapidly becoming a luxury item in the family budget.

Permission has been granted for the opening of a third processing station capable of a
throughput of up to 25,000 birds per week. These premises will be in operation early in 1971.

The poultry industry as a whole has suffered considerable setbacks this year with the persis¬
tent outbreaks of foul pest in the country. This often discourages egg producers and chicken rearers
to restock, consequently, the processing stations have difficulty obtaining live birds.

Milk Sampling

Brucellosis. The introduction of a long awaited scheme (operated by the Ministry) to eradicate this
disease, has already started to make an impact on the producers in the area. Four have al¬
ready been accepted into the scheme and others have made application to join.

Sampling has continued to trace sources of disease. 254 samples have been obtained and 9
were reported by the Public Health Laboratory Service as being positive.

Tuberculosis. Twenty samples of untreated milk examined for Tuberculosis have all been reported
as negative.

Cream. Cream is sampled regularly at the M.M.B. 40 samples have been examined. All the cream
had been heat treated. Four samples did not satisfy the tests.

Raw Milks

Samples taken from Producers in
the District

Samples taken from Producers outside
the District

Year

No. taken

Satisfactory

T.B.

present

No. taken

Satisfactory

T.B.

present

No. %

1960 ..

760

73-3

1961 . .

73-3

800

1962 ..

69*2

800

1963 ..

90-9

65-9

1964 . .

750

97-7

1965 ..

95*7

71 -4

1966 . .

33*0

67-5

1967 ..

1000

89-3

1968 ..

100 0

1969 . .

90-9

100-0

1970 . .

100 0

100-0

Pasteurised Milks

Year

Number Taken

Number Efficiently
Heat Treated

1960

100

1961

1962

1963

1964

100

1965

100

1966

1967

100

1968

100

1969

1970

100

Ice Cream

One of the producer retailers ceased operations during the year and only one now remains.
All other premises retail the products of the national companies.

12 samples have been examined and all were satisfactory.

Food Hygiene

The control of premises where food is prepared and where it is so necessary to maintain
high standards of hygiene, continued during the year. It was not possible to visit all the premises
where food is either sold or prepared for sale but visits were made particularly to canteen and
bakehouses where a possibility of food contamination is more likely to occur than in premises

selling food which has been hygienically prepared and wrapped in large food factories.

However, 24 visits were made to premises within the district. The standard of food hygiene
generally in the district can be judged by the number of complaints received from the public
concerning unsatisfactory conditions, the public becoming more hygiene-conscious than in former
years. We had only one such complaint and although this was justifiable it was soon rectified by
advice given to the proprietor on methods of handling and preparing food.

Verminous Premises

73 Premises have been treated for vermin infestation during the year. 25 of these were coun¬
cil houses. 34 houses infested with cockroach were treated by fumigation and contact poisons. Other
infestations treated were ants 15, fleas 4, silverfish 2, wasps 4, ermine moth 5, spiders 8 and bugs 1.

Civic Amenities

Civic conscience appears to be sadly lacking in many people if the amount of work necessary
under this Act is any measure of local pride. 85 visits have been made by Public Health Inspectors
in connection with this Act.

Motor Vehicles. 24 vehicles have been dealt with during the year. These are vehicles which the
owners have abandoned and left for some other person or body to remove and destroy. In 20 cases
it was necessary to serve official documents and cause investigation by the police, into legal owner¬
ship. All twenty official cases had been satisfactorily concluded at the year end. Four cases were
dealt with unofficially by requests for co-operation in removing derelict cars from private land, in
order to improve area amenities. In one case in Gregson Lane, the owner has refused to co-operate
and a derelict unsightly wreck remains.

Seven of the vehicles have been left on Local Authority Land partially developed as garage
sites. One answer to the problem would be to fully develop the sites.

All the vehicles were disposed of to a local merchant who has been most helpful and re¬
moved them without charge. With such a service available within the area it is difficult to under¬
stand the reasons for illicit dumping.

Deposit of refuse. The clearing of refuse dumped in laybys and hedge sides presents a continual
problem. A particular “black spot” is in Hennel Lane where a layby has been made by motorists
dumping and creating an unsightly mess. This site requires clearing weekly.

Noise Abatement

13 complaints of noise nuisance have been investigated; seven of the nuisances concerned
domestic sources four from industrial machinery and two from entertainment premises.

It was not necessary to take statutory proceedings. 11 of the problems have been fully
resolved. The two remaining complaints require structural alterations to premises and this work was
in hand at the year end.

Offices, Shops & Railway Premises Act

It is a statutory duty to present an annual report in the work carried out by the authorised
officers under the above act. It has been my practice to publish a separate report but as the initial
inspections have been done and the work assimulated into general P.H. work I now propose to
include it in this report.

A tabular report is appended.

Class of Premises

Total

Registered
Premises at
December 1969

Total

Registered
Premises at
December 1970

Offices

Retail Shops . .

• •

Wholesale Shops and Warehouses

• •

Catering Establishments

. •

Fuel Storage Departments . .

• •

—

Class of Premises

Premises
deleted during

1969

Premises
added during

1970

Offices .

—

Retail Shops .

—

Wholesale Shops and Warehouses

—

Catering Establishments .

—

Fuel Storage Departments .

—

PUBLIC CLEANSING

The changing pattern in refuse collection and disposal continues with an ever increasing rise
in the amount of waste plastic. Paper and cardboard are gradually being replaced by this material
which by its very nature causes disposal problems. Not only has the amount of refuse increased per
household but the items to be disposed of are more bulky.

A complete re-organisation of the service was undertaken during the latter half of the year.
It has been realised for some time that an incentive bonus scheme was necessary in the department,
to increase the “number of bins per man per day’. Ministry circulars continue to press Local
Authorities to consider such schemes with a valid threat to those who do not comply.

After many hours of preparation with the Treasurer’s department a scheme was finally
approved by the Council and adopted by the men to be reviewed after six months. The scheme
included a bonus of £2 per man each week provided the whole of the district was cleared of refuse.
It is not possible in this report to give details of its success because it was only put into operation on
December 1st.

The reorganisation also included the replacement of two nine-year old vehicles by two 70
cu. yd. compression type in order that the refuse could be transported to Preston Corporation Tip
at Freckleton. Two “NORBA” vehicles were obtained in October and put into service on November
1st. These unique containers have a power driven steel worm which by its action draws the refuse
into the body and compresses it in the ratio of 3\ to 1, in other words a 22 cu. yd. vehicle will
hold 70 cu. yds. plus of domestic refuse. The first two months of operation are proving their worth.

Refuse Collection, Disposal and Salvage
Service Costs:—

Gross Expenditure . £415673

Gross Income . £4,881

Net Expenditure . £36,792

Dustbins emptied per week . Approx. 10,500

Collection and Sales of Salvage and Tipping Charges

The following table shows the tonnage and materials sold and the amounts received for
salvage in the financial year to 31st March, 1971: —

Tons

Cwts.

Qrs.

Lbs.

£ s. d.

Paper .

251

2,770 9 5

Textiles

246 8 11

Non-Ferrous Metals

344 10 3

Cast Iron Scrap .

Use of Tip .

Miscellaneous

23 17 0

121 18 0

669 19 6

TOTALS

287

—

£4,177 3 0

1960

1961

1962

1963

1964

1965

1966

1967

1968

1969

1970

Year

Tons

Cwts.

Qrs.

Lbs.

305

3,467

309

3,543

297

2,865

315

—

3,109

323

3,153

342

3,829

370

4,283

374

4,404

368

4,166

368

—

4,881

287

—

4,177

ENGINEER AND SURVEYORS REPORT

This brief Report covers the period 1st January to 31st December, 1970.

1. Highways

1 . 1 Authorised Expenditure on maintenance and minor improvements: —

Authorised expenditure over the last 5 years

Road Class

Length

1970

1969

1968

1967

1966

Class I

Class II . .

Class III . .

Unclassified

3 • 07 miles

2 • 22 miles

2 • 39 miles

32-42 milestt

£4,800
(£1,560 /ml.)
£6,868
(£3, 090/ml.)

£7429,
(£3,1 10/ml.)

£30,670

(£945/ml.)

£6,278
(£2, 045/mile)
£3,702

(£1, 670/mile)
£2,930
(£1, 225/mile)
£27,870
(£870/mile)

£7,363

(£2, 400/mile)
£5,007f
(£2, 250/mile)
£5 925

(£2, 480/mile)
£26,505
(£880/mile)

£4,213*

(£1, 370/mile)
£3,505

(£1, 580/mile)
£13,084**
(£5.470/mi!e)
£24,010
(£844/mile)

£10,317
(£3, 360/mile)
£7,703

(£3, 470/mile)
£6,380

(£2, 670/mile)
£25,385
(£965/mile)

TOTALS

40-10 miles

£49,747

£40,780

£44,800

£44,812

£49,785

* Plus major improvement at A.675/A.6.

** Pius major improvement at School Lane — £3,000.

t Plus widening at Church Brow, Walton-le-Dale (including retaining wall) — £8,400.

ft Last year’s mileage — 32.08 miles.

Public Footpaths (not included in the total) — 26.75 miles.

1.2 East Lancs. Motorway

Tentative proposals were announced for a motorway from M.6 to Blackburn, Nelson and E.
Lancs, towns, but no positive line was published.

1.3 Station Road A.6/Co!Iins Road Junction

Attempts to create either a rear access or layby to shops at this junction all met with objec¬
tions either from shop owners, land owners or the Divisional Road Engineer, and congestion con¬
tinues.

1.4 Brownedge Road B.5257/Todd Lane junction.

A scheme for the improvement of this junction was approved for construction in 1971/72.

1.5 Brownedge Road/ Watkin Lane A.582 junction.

Further attempts to have a scheme prepared for this very difficult junction were rejected by
the County Council, mainly on the grounds that roads proposed within the New Town would alter
the traffic load at the junction.

1.6 Hoghton Lane A.675 — Speed Limit

In last year’s Report, I stated that after many years of effort by the Council to have a speed
limit introduced on Hoghton Lane, all that was awaited was the confirmation of the Order for the
introduction of a 40 limit.

Unfortunately the Divisional Road Engineer appeared to have second thoughts and even at
the end of 1970 the introduction of a speed limit was no nearer, the whole subject being again
under review.

1 .7 Cuerdale Lane B.6230 — Speed Limit

Efforts were made by the Council to extend the existing 30 limit eastwards in Cuerdale Lane
to include the dangerous bend at the U.D. boundary.

After some negotiation the Council accepted the Lancashire County Council’s suggestion to
limit the derestricted section to 40 m.p.h., with a small adjustment in the length of 30 limit.

The Order had not been made at the year end.

1 .8 Station Road A.6 — Level Crossing

A “box junction” Order was made to include the level crossing and a few yards of the road
on each side of the crossing.

The object of the Order is to prevent traffic standing across the railway track at times when
the traffic volume produces a crawling queue of road vehicles.

1 .9 School Lane — Waiting Restrictions

The length of School Lane subject to waiting restrictions was extended and waiting restric¬
tions were introduced in Water Street.

2. Private Streets

2. With the exception of minor streets in areas shewn on the Town Map for redevelop¬
ment, back passages and very short streets off A.6 there are no unmade private streets.

2.2 Bournes Row (part of) within the U.D. was being made up and widened under Contract.

2.3 Private builders’ estate roads were completed under Agreements in 13 streets, and were
adopted as “highways maintainable at public expense”:—

Albrighton Road (part of), Lostock Hall;
Albrighton Crescent (part of), Lostock Hall;
Albrighton Close, Lostock Hall;

St. James Close, Lostock Hall;

Moss Lane (part of), Lostock Hall;

Fern Close, Lostock Hall;

Access Road and Footpaths off Moss Lane,

Lostock Hall;

Bannister Hall Lane (completion).

Higher Walton

Bannister Hall Drive (part of). Higher Walton
Bannister Hall Crescent (part of).

Higher Walton

Holker Close, Hoghton;

Grange Drive (part of), Hoghton;

Cartmel Drive (part of), Hoghton.

3. Street Lighting

3.1 Trunk Roads

The County Council began the re-lighting of A.6 from A.49 to north of School Lane, and also
lighted A.49 from Lostock Lane to A.6.

3.2 Class III Roads

Lighting on Class III roads was up-graded by the substitution of the previous 150 w. tungsten
lamps with 125 w. MBF/U lamps.

3.3 District Roads

Some of the more important district roads, which have local through- traffic value, had their
lighting upgraded from 100 w. and 150 w. tungsten lamps to 150 w. MBTL lamps.

Further progress was made in replacing clock controls with light sensitive switching. The
whole lighting under the Council’s control is now expected to be converted during 1971.

4. Sewage Disposal

4.1 The average daily flow at the Disposal Works rose to 2.8 million gallons per day des¬
pite some reduction in trade effluents.

4.2 The effluent standard was maintained with a few exceptional occasions, within the
“inland water” standard (20/30) imposed by the River Authority.

4.3 The continuing lack of positive detailed information on the designated New Town, pre¬
vented any progress towards designing the necessary future extensions of the Works.

4.4 Negotiations for the provision of an additional Coil -filter were begun.

4.5 An “open day” held in September attracted about 50 persons to view the Disposal Works.

5. Sewers

5.1 The Bannister Hall area surface water sewer was completed — by Council workmen
following liquidation of the Contractor.

5.2 Hoghton Lane surface water sewer was completed.

6. Trade Effluents

6.1 A preliminary notice was received from Ribble Paper Mills Ltd., seeking to increase
the quantity of effluent discharged to the sewer.

6.2 As the proposal, if accepted by the Council, would have resulted in overloading of
sewers, overloading of pumps, and a reduction in the quality of effluent discharged to the River
Ribble, investigations were begun into the problem.

7. Flooding

7.1 Total rainfall recorded at the Pollution Control Works during the year was 35.36
inches (898.1 mm.). Heavy rainfall was recorded o i 2 occasions — 1.15 inches on 30th October and
1.15 inches on 17th November. The 30th October was the last day of 4 days of continuous rain
during which a total of 2.22 inches was recorded.

7.2 The 4 wet days in October, ending with a day of 1.15 inches (when the ground was
thoroughly wet) produced minor overflowing in various locations in the U.D. — most of which had
partial blockages in the sewers.

7.3 The only known case of water entering houses was at Brindle Road, near Pimley
Farm, where the sewer backed up into the basements. (Members will remember that a Public En¬
quiry was held concerning backing up into these basements. The Minister's finding have not yet
been received).

8. Council Housing

8.1 No further Council houses were built.

8.2 The remainder of the Old Persons’ Bungalows in Brindle Road were provided, with
porches at the back doors.

8.3 Schemes were prepared for alterations at the Community Block at Brindle Road.

8.4 Draft schemes were prepared for the modernisation of the Council’s pre-war houses.

9. Private Housing

9.1 For the second successive year there was a reduction in private house building. Only 130
houses were completed compared with 175 in 1969 and 320 in 1968.

9.2 At the year end 100 houses were under construction compared with 190 at the end of

1969.

10. Improvement Grants

10.1 Applications were approved for 60 Standard Grants and 2 Discretionary Grants.

10.2 Three applications for discretionary grants were refused.

11. Playing Fields

11.1 Withy Trees — future site

Negotiations were begun with the owner’s Solicitors for the acquisition of the Withy Trees
site, but at the year end differences of opinion had not been resolved.

1 1 .2 Gregson Lane

Improvements were carried out to the Children’s Corner and a scheme was prepared for the
erection of a removable toilet block.

1 1 .3 King George’s Field, Higher Walton

Construction of the Bowling Green was completed and improvements were made to the car

park.

The existing changing hut was re-sited to enable the Bowling Green to be constructed.

1 1 .4 Cockshott Valley

Some work was carried out in that section of the valley between Pear Tree Crescent and
Duddle Lane, and gates provided to give access to the public.

Three sections of the valley have still not been acquired and therefore the long-planned walk
from Pear Tree Crescent to Hennel Lane has not been established.

12. Public Conveniences

At the Council’s request, sites were investigated for public conveniences and 3 sites selected.
Once again, following objections from some members of the public, the proposals were abandoned.

13. Plans and Planning

Building Regulations applications totalled 684 relating to approximately 749 permanent and
120 temporary buildings.

Planning applications totalled 288, several relating to fairly large sites.

14. Staff

During the year a Technician was appointed in April and a Trainee Technician in January,
leaving 2 vacancies in my technical staff of 6.

15. Transport

In November a new Tower Waggon, capable of reaching the new 10 metre high lanterns,
was bought. The old tower, which had been in use for over 20 years and mounted on an assortment
of chassis, was sold.

Usage of the Department’s vehicles was: —

Vehicle

Petrol

Registered Miles ( gallons ) M.P.G.

Karrier Gulley-emptier
Morris Van

Fordson 3-ton tipper (PTE)
Fordson 3-ton tipper (RTC)
Morris flat truck
Ford 3-ton (NTJ)

April 1958 4,344 1,360 3-2

Apr. 1965 18,185 576 31-6

Aug. 1965 7,580 915 8-3

Sept. 1965 8,837 1,021 8-3

Aug. 1967 9,098 538 16-9

Nov. 1968 9,286 1,045 8-9

Karrier Sweeper

Jan. 1969 8,772 1,076 8*2 New Vehicle

Totals:

66,102 6,531

STANLEY RACE,

C.Eng„ M.I.C.E., F.I.Mun.E., M.Inst.H.E., M.I.W.E.,

Engineer and Surveyor.

■

♦

«✓

Printed by

Prank Coupe & Co., Ltd.,
Walton-le-Dale,
Preston.

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